The Sports Business Journal unveiled its Forty Under 40 Class of 2026, celebrating 40 executives under 40 for their innovation and contributions in sports. The list showcases leaders from major leagues, agencies, and media companies.
This year’s group includes 16 women, the largest number ever selected. Honorees represent organizations such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and agencies like CAA Sports and WME Sports.
Notable honorees and milestones
Chara-Lynn Aguiar, ESPN’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, joined the SBJ Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame after appearing on the list for the third time. The Hall of Fame now totals 72 past honorees. Aguiar manages research, strategy, and the office of the chairman at ESPN.
Ben Kennedy of NASCAR, a two-time recipient and former New Voices Under 30 honoree, was recognized again. Kerry Scalora from Anheuser-Busch and past New Voices Under 30 honorees Scott Zanghellini of WWE and Megan Zee of PGA Tour also returned. Major League Soccer’s Elizabeth Cohen had been named a 2022 Game Changers honoree.
The class covers diverse roles, from team executives to agency leaders. Alex Cadicamo of Major League Baseball, Megan Nicol of CAA Sports, and Kyle McCarthy of Athletes First are among those honored. Executives from newer sports properties, including Maria Valdehueza of the Golden State Valkyries, also made the list.
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A broader shift in sports leadership
The growing number of women in this year’s class signals gradual change in an industry long dominated by men. While 16 honorees represent progress, future trends will depend on how organizations support women’s advancement in sports.
The honorees will appear in the Aug. 10 issue of the Sports Business Journal, which will detail their careers and achievements. They also will be recognized at the annual Forty Under 40 gala on Nov. 20 at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. For more information, please visit FortyUnder40awards.com.
Full list of honorees
The 2026 class features:
- Alex Cadicamo, Major League Baseball
- Tom Chapman, WME Sports
- Hedy Chen, National Football League
- Elizabeth Cohen, Major League Soccer
- Jose Diaz, SMAC Entertainment
- William DiBlasi, Raise
- Samantha Engelhardt, New York Mets
- Ryan Fischer, Fenway Sports Management
- Megan Fogarty, Allied Sports
- Benjamin Freeman, Proskauer
- Grant Hastings, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
- Brady Hart, University of Tennessee
- Kate Hussmann, Buffalo Bills
- Chris Kaiser, Rock Entertainment Group
- Julia Kang, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Properties
- Ben Kennedy, NASCAR
- Jason Lavine, Los Angeles Chargers
- Kyle McCarthy, Athletes First
- Charlie Neiman, Amazon
- Megan Nicol, CAA Sports
- Adam Nurik, Genesco Sports Enterprises
- Max Paulsen, National Hockey League
- Zohar Ravid, Fanatics
- Jasmine Robinson, Monarch Collective Fund
- Jamie Conlan Rocha, Airbnb
- Kerry Scalora, Anheuser-Busch
- Arianna Scavetti, Weil, Gotshal & Manges
- Preetam Sen, Excel Sports Management
- Alex Seyferth, Chicago Cubs
- Henry Shepherd, Diamond Baseball Holdings
- Connor Swarbrick, The Team
- Taylor Traub, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment
- Maria Valdehueza, Golden State Valkyries
- Kyle Vasey, University of Alabama
- Sean Wallis, Legends Global
- Katelyn West, National Basketball Association
- Scott Zanghellini, WWE
- Megan Zee, PGA Tour
- Zach Zimmerman, Moelis & Company
- Jimmy Zasowski, Walt Disney Company
Recognition of young leaders in sports coincides with rising interest in live events. Recent data shows viewership for major leagues reaching a 14-year peak, reflecting broader engagement with the industry.